Football
Rampants on a RollBY JOHNY HALLOW ON OCTOBER 18, 2013
The Rampant football team is off to a promising 5-0 start for the first time since 2006. The last time the team was 5-0 they continued on to win a 4A State Championship. According to the coaching staff, the football team is more than deserving of this record, the team worked harder this summer than ever before. The Rampants are more energetic than ever, and they continue to work hard day by day improving their game.
“It feels great,” sophomore Asa Alexander said. “We seem to be doing well, and I hope that it continues throughout the rest of the season.” In order to continue the success, Alexander believes that the team has to continue to put in work and trust each other. Last year, the Rampants started the “spread offense”, and this year they are putting more points on the scoreboard than they did in previous years. The offense wasn't the only change that was made for the Rampants, the defense switched to a “3-4” positioning. “If there is going to be a pass, the quarterback better not have time to make a good throw,” coach Bryan Wallen said. “It’s just a swarming, aggressive, more stuck-up style of defense.” Having two All-American defensive ends and two inside linebackers that are a year older and stronger than last year also makes the defense more effective according to Wallen. Both offense and defense for the Rampants came out strong against Kinston High on September 18th with a 59-7 victory, making their record climb to 5-0. “We have a really talented team,” senior Javon Boston said. “We have guys that are dedicated and hardworking, and we have to continue to get after it each day to improve our chances in the postseason.” The team has the state championship set in their heads and they are working harder than ever. Rose has been hungry for a state championship since the four consecutive state championships won from 2003 to 2006. Boston believes that to be successful throughout the rest of the year, the team must have faith in each other and act as a family. “To get to a state championship we have to keep playing every week,” Wallen said. “Trust your teammates, trust your coaches, and make every play as if it were your last one.” Wallen hopes that the team will reach their peak in the playoffs so that when all the other teams are tired and worn down, the Rampants are healthy and ready to play. For now, the Rampants can do nothing more than play one game at a time and continue to work hard as they prepare for the postseason and a shot at the state title. |
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